Six-wicket Jofra Archer dishes out more punishment as Aussies crumble

JOFRA ARCHER demonstrated he is not just a one-trick pony after recording a six-wicket haul despite toning down the pace on the opening day of the third Ashes Test.

England's Jofra Archer is leaving no stone unturned in hitting the headlines during his debut series-The Ashes.

"I can't remember a day like this, to be honest".

Jofra Archer, who took 6-43 in Australia's first innings, was generating speeds of 92 miles per hour (148 kph) but was yet to take a wicket.

Australia face Derbyshire on Thursday in a tour match and should Smith be cleared to play he will get the chance to spend some time in the middle ahead of the Manchester Test.

No one was consulting that page in the record books, though, when England slumped to 15-2 by losing two wickets for no runs in four balls.

But the Jamaican once dubbed "Whispering Death" because of his speed and the rhythm in his approach to the crease, said though Archer might look easy and relaxed, the human body still goes through a lot of strain to bowl that quickly and people had to appreciate that.

"So if we can get him I think they can be vulnerable at times, same as any other team; if their best batter's out, you feel a bit more relaxed about your business".

"You're up and about, you're watching the ball a bit closer, everything's buzzing, the adrenaline's going, so it definitely gets you a little bit more in the contest, but you'd prefer not to get hit in the head". I guess these are the things you train for.

It is hard to remember a player who has enjoyed such a rapport with the supporters so early in their career as Archer, though Kevin Pietersen's strutting early outings against Australia had a similar panache.

A fifth-wicket stand of 90 was ended when Buttler hooked Pat Cummins to fine leg shortly after lunch. "If you put it in the right areas you should get wickets".

"The support is heartwarming".

Though Australia were without the services of their prime Test batsman Steve Smith, the Australian bowlers and especially Josh Hazelwood made light work of the England batting line-up. He was, again, seamer Stuart Broad's victim - a familiar theme lately.

Archer, the 24-year-old Barbados-born son of an English father, said conditions in Leeds dictated why he bowled fewer short balls than at Lord's.

He said: "That's incredible Test bowling". Mitchell Johnson was the same, he had a slow run up then thunderbolts.